The Baltic Nuclear Energy Forum officially kicked off today at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk, bringing together nuclear energy experts from across the Baltic region. As announced by PEJ President Marek Woszczyk, the past year has seen a significant acceleration in the progress of Poland’s nuclear project.

The forum attracted government representatives, energy companies, and academics, with over 500 participants convening in Gdańsk. The event also featured a series of workshops. A key focus of discussions was the impact of the Choczewo project on the development of the Pomeranian region, with particular emphasis on Gdańsk as a logistics hub.

Leszek Bonna, Deputy Marshal of Pomerania, highlighted the importance of maximising local content for the region, stressing the involvement of Pomeranian companies in nuclear projects. “I always remind investors: you are welcome guests, but guests nonetheless. Respect us and our expectations, including by maintaining the infrastructure that residents use daily,” he said.

Marek Woszczyk, President of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), the investor behind Poland’s first nuclear power plant, underlined the significance of the past year for the project. “Over the course of the year, the investment has gained momentum. Naturally, this is a process carried out with full respect for quality, but events have truly accelerated,” he said. Key milestones included financing decisions, such as the European Commission’s approval of public aid and parliamentary funding decisions. He also emphasised the critical role of administration and thanked local authorities and the office of the Pomeranian Voivode for the quality of their cooperation.

In an interview with Gospodarka Morska, Woszczyk confirmed that negotiations with Westinghouse, the nuclear technology provider, and Bechtel, the construction corporation, are in the final stages. The process is expected to conclude by the end of June 2026, and the president stressed that the timeline is on track.

“Next year, we plan to begin preliminary construction works, which will prepare the site for the installation of the nuclear island foundations. By December 2028 at the latest, we aim to pour concrete for the first reactor. If we properly prepare during the earlier stages, we will achieve this milestone,” Woszczyk said.

He highlighted three critical elements in the construction process: completing the project within the planned budget, on schedule, and with maximum local content, while noting that it remains the investor’s duty to conduct procurement in accordance with applicable law. The ultimate goal is to provide the economy with stable energy at a reasonable and competitive price.

Tomasz Nowacki, CEO of PGE Energia Jądrowa, emphasised the political consensus surrounding the project. “No one disputes the need for nuclear energy in Poland. We are also in an excellent social situation, with historically high public support for nuclear power,” he said.

“The Choczewo project, the flagship of all nuclear projects, is moving forward and reaching new milestones. For the PGE Group, this project began around 2008/2009, and much of our team has invested significant dedication in it, which is why we are fully supportive. The success of this project is the success of all of us. I am pleased that PGE can participate in the nuclear programme as a company commissioned by the government to examine a location for a second large nuclear power plant and evaluate offers from potential partners,” Nowacki added.

The forum also hosted an atypical but important ceremony. Industry representatives signed a declaration, initiated by Women in Nuclear Poland, aimed at promoting gender equality in the sector and harnessing the potential of women. Beata Rutkiewicz, Pomeranian Voivode and one of the signatories, stressed that the notion of technical careers being unsuitable for women is a harmful stereotype. “Mathematics and physics like girls, and girls enjoy STEM subjects. It is a false stereotype that these subjects are for men. Yet women remain underrepresented in nuclear energy and technical fields, and we must change this,” she said.

The forum was organised by the Business for Climate Foundation.

Sylwia Molewska, President of the Business for Climate Foundation, outlined the event’s theme: “This year, we are convening under the banner ‘Energy for a Resilient Society’. In today’s world, security is not a privilege, but a foundation for stability. We are hosting over 500 participants from 17 countries, with more than 100 speakers on our stages. We are also opening a ‘Energy for Youth’ platform, inviting over 200 students. I believe these will be two very engaging days.”